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A Hearty Delight: Instant Pot Beef Stew

When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of beef stew to warm the heart and soul. The Instant Pot, a modern marvel in kitchens across the UK, has revolutionised the way we prepare this traditional dish. Gone are the long hours of simmering – with an Instant Pot, you can achieve tender, flavourful beef stew in a fraction of the time.

The Joy of Cooking with an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a versatile multi-cooker that combines the functionalities of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. Its ability to lock in moisture and infuse flavours means that you can prepare a comforting beef stew that tastes as if it has been brewing all day – but without the wait.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Creating a mouth-watering beef stew in your Instant Pot requires some essential ingredients. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

• 500g beef chuck or braising steak, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 600ml beef stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: A splash of red wine for added richness

Method

1. Sear the Beef:
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up. Carefully place the beef chunks in the pot and season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavour of your stew and is well worth the effort.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until it’s softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables and Flavours:
Mix in the carrots, potatoes, and tomato purée, followed by the thyme and bay leaf. If you’re using red wine, this is the time to add a splash. Allow it to simmer for a moment to reduce slightly.

4. Pressure Cook:
Pour in the beef stock, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 35 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to discharge any remaining steam.

5. Final Touches:
After removing the lid, stir the stew and check for seasoning. You can thicken the stew further if desired by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the pot. Simmer on ‘Sauté’ mode for a few minutes until thickened.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Instant Pot beef stew piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or fluffy dumplings to soak up the rich sauce. For those looking to add a touch of green, a simple side salad can provide a refreshing balance to the hearty stew.

Conclusion

Instant Pot beef stew encapsulates the essence of comfort food, delivering rich flavours and tender textures in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Whether you’re preparing a weekday meal for your family or hosting friends, this delicious stew is sure to impress. Embrace the convenience of modern cooking technology while still enjoying a timeless classic; your taste buds will thank you!